Twenty-nine delegations from across the Chinese mainland have arrived in Sanya, Hainan Province, to participate in the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities. This event, one of China's oldest national multi-sport Games, is set to showcase the rich cultural heritage of 56 ethnic groups.
The excitement began with the completion of the torch relay on November 17, where 107 torchbearers from various backgrounds carried the flame, symbolizing unity and diversity.
\"The Games can significantly enhance communication and unity among different ethnic groups,\" said Tian Shifang, a coach at the Ethnic Sports School of Xiangxi, Hunan Province. \"Participating in the torch relay is truly exciting, and I am eagerly anticipating the moment when the main flame is lit during the opening ceremony.\"
Running from November 22 to 30, the Games will host approximately 10,000 athletes competing in 139 events across 17 sports, alongside three demonstration sports. These competitions are uniquely rooted in the traditional customs of China's ethnic minorities, offering a vibrant blend of sports and culture.
Some events have already taken place in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, highlighting the diverse locations involved in the Games. A standout event is the debut of the coconut tree climbing race, inspired by the Li and Miao ethnic groups of Hainan, where climbing coconut trees was historically essential for harvesting.
Another highlight is the swing competition, exclusive to female athletes from the Korean ethnic group in northeast China. This event aims to empower women by encouraging them to broaden their horizons through sport.
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Athletes arrive for National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities
cgtn.com
